Slane to play at the Oval in biggest game so far

Gareth Hanna

Moneyslane boss David Johnstone reckons his side have a fighting chance of seeing off Glentoran Seconds in the Intermediate Cup on Saturday.

Slane travel to the Oval (kick-off 1.30pm) for what the club are calling their biggest ever competitive match.

The game marks a significant rise through the leagues in recent years and now Slane are targetting a Cup upset against one of Northern Ireland’s top reserve sides.

“I’m so delighted for all the guys in the committee, for the fans and for the players,” said club manager David Johnstone. “A few years ago, they wouldn’t have thought there was any chance of them playing at the Oval.

“We didn’t even have a ground, now we have Jubilee Park and we’re off to play Glentoran Reserves on Saturday.

“It’s an added bonus to everything that has been happening this season.”

Slane are on a great run of form and are going into the game fresh off the back of their stunning 4-3 win over Hanover and they’re hoping that the winning habit will be enough to carry them through on Saturday afternoon.

“The mood at the minute is really good,” said Johnstone.

“There are a lot of fans planning to go down. We brought a packed 50 seater bus to Wellington Rec and the fans will be there on Saturday. That really adds a lot to the day.

“We go in as underdogs playing against one of the top teams in Ireland’s reserve side. They’ll be very fit and we expect they’ll play good football but we’ve already beaten Glenavon Reserves in the Bob Radcliffe Cup this season.

“It just depends what team they have out. They could have a very experienced side playing or a very inexperienced one.

“We’re not going there thinking it’s a lost cause. We’re looking forward to it and we’re going down with no pressure on us but it come down to who takes their chances.

“It’ll be a great day for the fans and for the club regardless of the result and we can go into Christmas on a high. I’ll enjoy my turkey this year anyway, that’s for sure.”